A shelter dog has a role in James Gunn's 'Superman,' but it's not who you think
- A Tennessee shelter dog named Sparrow appeared in the new "Superman" movie.
- According to Maury County Animal Services, Sparrow was spotted by a talent agent after being taken in and matched with a rescue by CASA Transport.
- Sparrow is not to be confused with Krypto, who was computer-generated and inspired by James Gunn's own rescue dog.
One Tennessee pup is shining on the big screen.
Those who have seen James Gunn's hit movie "Superman" might recall a furry face in one action-packed scene alongside the charming and wholesome Man of Steel portrayed by David Corenswet.
On July 13, Maury County Animal Services confirmed that the dog Superman rescues from the kaiju — a gigantic monster created by the megalomaniacal Lex Luthor — was played in the film by none other than a shelter dog named Sparrow.
After being taken in by CASA Transport, a nonprofit organization that relocates at-risk animals from shelters across Tennessee, and placed in a rescue, Sparrow was discovered by a talent scout which led to a brief appearance in the film.
"We are so proud to have had a hand in her journey. Honestly we feel that all of our dogs and cats have the potential to be stars," wrote Maury County Animal Services in a social media post. "Greatness can often be found where you least expect it — like a humble county shelter!"
"You can’t change a dog’s past, but you can rewrite their future," said Maury County Animal Services Director Kim Raffauf in an email to the Tennessean, part of the Paste BN Network. "We have so many amazing animals just waiting for their chance."
Who plays Krypto in 'Superman?'
Sparrow should not be confused with Krypto, Superman’s four-legged companion in the film.
According to CNN, Krypto was brought to life using CGI and was inspired by director James Gunn’s real-life rescue dog, Ozu. Gunn also told The New York Times that Ozu served as the physical reference for the animated super-dog.
To develop and refine Krypto’s look and movements, Gunn collaborated with three visual effects studios, including the team behind Rocket Raccoon from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, CNN reported. He even used personal videos of Ozu playing with his cat to help animators capture Krypto’s behavior on screen.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana